SKIPPACK — A 16-year-old reportedly stabbed his 17-year-old girlfriend to death while breaking up with her Saturday night on the Skippack Trail near Palmer Park.

Tristan Brian Arthur Stahley stabbed Julianne Siller multiple times before hiding her body in the woods off the trail, according to an affidavit filed by the state police in Skippack and the Montgomery County Detectives.

Siller, of Royersford, had been going out with Stahley “off and on” since January, the affidavit said.

Stahley, of Skippack, was arrested Saturday night and charged with murder of the first degree, murder of the third degree and criminal possession of a weapon, court documents said.

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An autopsy performed by the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office determined Siller was stabbed multiple times, including in the throat. Her cause of death was due to “multiple stab and cutting wounds. The manner of death was ruled a homicide,” according to the affidavit.

According to the affidavit, Siller went to Stahley’s house around 8:40 p.m. Saturday. Stahler’s mother heard the two arguing in his room, but when she went to check on them, Stahler told her it was “none of her business” and both said they were fine.

Eventually, they told Stahley’s mother they were going to the park and left the house holding hands and drove away in Siller’s silver Honda sedan, the affidavit said.

According to Stahley’s police interview, the affidavit said, Stahley and Siller were arguing about her “smashing his phone and her ‘going out.’”

On the Skippack Trail, the argument allegedly continued and Stahley stabbed Siller with an orange-handled EMT knife.

Police said Stahley admitted to dragging Siller off the trail and into the woods to hide her body.

When police investigated the scene, they reportedly discovered the folding knife 10 feet away from Siller “containing blood and hair.”

In an interview with police Sunday, Stahley’s mother said he returned to their residence and “stood at the front door.” He reportedly asked her to go for a walk and “had been crying.” She also observed dirt and blood on her son’s legs, the affidavit said.

When she asked him what was wrong, Stahley “replied he would tell her if she went for a walk with him,” the affidavit said. Walking on a trail near the residence, Stahley reportedly told his mother he broke up with Siller and stabbed her.

When she asked if he was joking, Stahley allegedly replied, “No,” then “began to cry hysterically.”

Police said he told his mother he couldn’t go to jail and “wanted to kill himself.”

State police said they responded to Stahley’s home around 10:20 p.m.

They allegedly discovered Stahley fighting with his father outside. According to Stahley’s father, his wife relayed what their son told her about Siller’s murder. When he went outside, his son was holding a red and silver folding knife to his own throat, the affidavit said.

Although Stahley reportedly warned him to get away, his father was able to distract him and get the knife away, but in the struggle, Stahley reportedly bit his father in the hand and scratched his face.

After police separated the two, Stahley told them he killed Siller and directed them to where he’d allegedly hidden her body, the affidavit said.

Stahley was taken into police custody.

Video arraignment before District Judge Edward Kropp Sr. took place Sunday from the state police’s Skippack Barracks.

Because of the nature of the charges, Stahley was ineligible for bail, according to court documents. He was remanded to Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 4 before District Judge Albert J. Augustine.

Stahley’s mother reportedly told police he “was recently treated for a narcotics addiction and was currently taking anti-depressant medications.”

According to online records, a Tristan Stahley ran track for Perkiomen Valley High School in the past. It is unclear if he still attended the school.

Siller, a Spring-Ford Area High School student, was widely mourned via social networking sites Sunday.

A statement from Spring-Ford administration posted Sunday afternoon indicated counseling support will be available when school starts again Tuesday after Memorial Day.

“Because the reactions to the death of a student, peer, or friend can vary, plans are currently being made to address the grieving process for our students and staff,” the statement, signed by Superintendent David Goodin, said. “It is important to know that the grieving process is normal and can range from withdrawal, crying, and anger. For that reason, the High School Administration and staff are working with several counseling services to ensure we are fully prepared for all students.

“We know you share in our concern and sympathy for the family,” it said in closing.

SKIPPACK — A 16-year-old stabbed his 17-year-old girlfriend multiple times during an argument on the Skippack Trail near Palmer Park Saturday night, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office said.

Tristan Brian Arthur Stahley stands charged with murder of the first degree, murder of the third degree and possession of an instrument of crime, according to court documents.

Julie Siller, of Royersford, the state police said in Skippack said, died of multiple stab wounds including at least one to the throat. An autopsy Sunday conducted by the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office reportedly determined the cause of death was “multiple stab and cutting wounds and the manner of death was ruled a homicide,” the district attorney’s office release said.

Saturday, Siller and Stahley reportedly began arguing at Stahley’s residence in Skippack before driving to Palmer Park.

Then, the district attorney’s office said, they continued arguing while walking the Skippack trail.

At some point between 9 and 10:20 p.m., state police said Stahley eventually pulled a knife and attacked Siller. He then allegedly dragged her body off the trail into a wooded area.

Police said Stahley fled the area and returned home where he “reported the incident to family members.”

According to the district attorney’s office, state troopers reported to Stahley’s residence in Skippack for a “disturbance.”

“After arriving, they found (Stahley) and his father involved in an altercation on front of the house,” the release from the district attorney’s office said.

State police said the family members who Stahley told about the incident “notified police.”

It’s unclear whether police responding for the disturbance already knew of Stahley’s alleged “report” of the crime he’s accused of or not.

At 10:38 p.m., police were able to locate Siller.

“Crime scene investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police and Montgomery County Detectives worked throughout the night...locating pieces of evidence including the murder weapon.”

Video arraignment before District Judge Edward Kropp Sr. took place Sunday afternoon from the state police’s Skippack barracks.

Ineligible for bail because of the charges, according to court paperwork, Stahley was remanded to Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

About the Author

Frank Otto is a general assignment reporter covering Phoenixville, Limerick and Spring-Ford schools in addition to features and spot news. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Otto moonlights with the sports department on occasion. Reach the author at fotto@pottsmerc.com
or follow Frank on Twitter: @fottojourno.